Health Minister Discusses Strategy to Expand the Base of Living Kidney Donors with the High Advisory Committee for Organ Transplantation

Cairo – Noha Imam

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, held a meeting with Dr. Ahmed Halawa, Head of the Transplant Department at the University of Sheffield, and Dr. Tarek Fakhoury, Chair of the Supreme Transplant Committee, along with its members. Sir Magdi Yacoub participated via video conference.

The meeting discussed the strategy to “Expand the Base of Living Kidney Donors,” aimed at developing the kidney transplant system and increasing access for patients in line with the latest scientific evidence and international standards.

The Minister emphasized that the state gives special priority to organ transplantation, seeking to alleviate the suffering of patients with end-stage renal disease and reduce waiting times, while removing obstacles and enhancing the efficiency of centers and medical staff. He stressed full commitment to donor safety and the application of the highest scientific and ethical protocols.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the Ministry’s official spokesperson, explained that the strategy is based on the consensus of the Transplant Advisory Council and aims to increase the donor base by up to 50%.

He added that the discussions covered streamlining procedures within clear clinical and ethical frameworks, implementing fair exchange programs, and expanding kidney transplantation in cases of tissue or blood group incompatibility using modern protocols. The discussions also highlighted reliance on advanced surgical techniques, such as laparoscopy.

Abdel Ghaffar noted the Minister’s reaffirmation that donor safety is a top priority, achieved through a long-term medical follow-up program, training of medical teams, and upgrading tissue compatibility laboratories and transplant centers to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.